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British potato buyer, packer, distributor and marketer, Branston, has opened the UK’s ‘biggest and most modern’ mash factory in Lincolnshire.

Branston worked with UK supermarket chain Tesco on the new factory, which was developed to tap into increasing consumer demand. In 2023, Tesco shoppers bought more than 1 million more packets of ready-made mashed potatoes compared to 2022.

The factory was first announced in October last year. At the time, Branston said the facility will include two main lines set to produce 14 different products, ranging from standard ready-to-eat mash to artisan root vegetable recipes and topped jacket potatoes. It is expected to produce 23 million packs of mashed potato in the first year alone, utilising steam peeling and cooking technologies along with a 2km spiral chiller.

Branston worked with Tesco food chefs to enhance existing recipes and turn them into more gourmet-style dishes. An example is its new Root Veg Mash – this includes parsnip and increased butter and seasoning levels to deliver a sweeter and fresher flavour with added creaminess. The supermarket has also altered its Bubble and Squeak mash recipe to be richer, providing a smoother taste.

Tesco prepared produce buying manager Alex Edwards said: “Britain’s millions of mash fans should be very excited by the news as our chefs have worked with Branston to excite existing recipes. What we’re planning to do is to take the mash-eating experience to the next level and make it more of a gourmet food that you’d find in an upmarket restaurant.”

Branston CEO Jim Windle added: “We are proud and very excited to have brought the latest world class food manufacturing technology alongside restaurant quality recipe design to uplift and elevate one of Britain’s best loved foods. Mash is one of Britain’s favourite comfort foods that needed a 21st century makeover to delight and inspire customers across the new range.”

The new mash factory has created 80 jobs in Lincolnshire.